Tuesday, October 9, 2012

#6 of Thirty Things

#6 of thirty things I think is the hardest so far.... what is the hardest thing you have been through?

If you know me you know for the most part my life has been pretty easy.  My parents are still together, both my sisters are alive and healthy.  I have had normal ups and downs and loves and break ups.  But when I was 17 I lost one of my really good friends.  Its not the loss that still haunts me.  People lose loved ones all the time.  Its the way life works.  But this friend was killed.  Something you never think will happen to you or someone you know.  She was shot.  Twice to be exact.  Two doors down from where I lived.  30 minutes after I talked to her on the phone. Shot by a man that I had sat next to at a dinner table.  To say it was hard is probably far from the truth. It was awful. It changed the lives of so many people close to me.  It left two wonderful kids motherless and fatherless.  It was selfish and an act of violence that was just not needed. 

I remember the day like it was yesterday I have a feeling I will always remember that day.  We had a late night the night before.  We were young and having fun she had left him the week before.  I always remember thinking FINALLY.  You see he was very abusive and I was just glad she had a chance again.  To be happy to find real love to just live. Her son was 2 at the time and if I remember right her daughter was 6 I believe.  Along with her mom and dad and my parents and my sister and I we had been tag teaming watching the kids and finding her a job and a place to live.  At night her and I would go out with my then boyfriend and just dance the night away.  We knew her ex had been following us around the whole week he would call her and tell her where we were what we had done, etc.  She kept telling me that he would kill her before he let her go.  I remember saying that was crazy that yes he was crazy but not that crazy.  I was wrong.  It was a Friday   I had woke up late for work I remember she came down and did my hair while I did my make up.  We gossiped about the night before and I was able to tell her that said boyfriend of mine had told me he loved me.  Then I went to work.  That night was football Friday at the high school.  My sister was still on the dance team so we were all going.  I called her (my friend) to tell her I was going to go get my nails done and then I would be home.  I remember her telling me that was a waste of time and to hurry.  The whole time I was there getting my nails done I had a feeling something was wrong.  I had left my phone in the car so I kept telling the man that I needed to go get it.  He kept telling me to hold on he would be done soon.  Looking back going to get my nails done kept me away from the danger that was at home without even knowing.  I rushed over to my car when I got done dug my phone out of the bottom of my purse to find 25 missed calls.  My heart sunk.  I knew something was wrong.  I had three voice mails all from my dad.  The first telling me to stay clear of anywhere I had been that week to go somewhere and stay until I was called back.  The second to come home but go straight inside that he would be at the door waiting for me.  and the third to tell me she was shot to please pick up the phone and please come home that he was still at large and they were worried sick. I came home to find my dad in the drive way waiting on me and police everywhere.  I got out of the car and went straight for the house she was staying at my dad grabbed me and just shook his head no, no meaning she didn't make it she was in fact gone.  I remember falling to my knees how could this be I had just talked to her. The next few days were a blur.  We were able to go the ER and say our goodbyes she was lifeless and bloody and sometimes I wish I had never seen her that way.  I went back to get her children so the priest could assistance their now grandparents in telling them they were motherless and soon to find out fatherless.  I remember the daughter asking me if her mom would be better by Monday to do her hair for school and trying to keep it together to not let on the horror that was about to be her reality.

We would find out hours lately that he (her ex) had ran to the police station and shot himself in front of a volunteer.  In my opinion death was to good for him.  But at least the evil that consumed him is not here to consume anyone else.



Monday, October 8, 2012

#5 of Thirty Things

Today's question.... Name 5 things that make you happy right now......

1.  My family being alive and healthy is def my number 1.  After losing GG this year out of no where it really makes you think.  Letting go of the little things in life and just trying to be happy b/c you never know when someone you think will be around for a while will be gone with out a goodbye.

2.  My puppies.  No matter what kind of day I have being greeted at the door by two wagging days makes life seem better
Whats better then laying in bed with that one on the right!








3.  Being in the position to not be living pay check to pay check and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  Knowing that I may be tired but it will all work out in the end.

4.  That my trip to DC is only two weeks away! FOUR whole days with no work! Unheard of for me :)  I intend to enjoy ever waking minute of it.

5.  My Friends.... I have a lot of people I know and would call my friends but there are a few that are always there for me and I love so dearly.  They don't care that I can't hang out as much b/c they know I have to work 50 million hours a lot of hours a week but they know I still think about them everyday and care about how they are and if they are happy. 

Saturday, October 6, 2012

10 Things I would tell my 16 yr old self

#4 is my fav so far! 10 things I would tell my 16 yr old self!

1.  Life is short.  You will lose people sooner then you think enjoy the time you have.
2.  Don't be in a hurry to grow up, trust me that can wait
3.  Love your parents they need you and they do things that they think are best for you
4.  Go away for school you will be FINE
5.  Don't be so needy of having a man in your life, the ones you will chose up until now will not the "forevers" anyway
6.  Be a good person don't let the hate of others weigh you down.
7.  Don't be so nervous things have a way of working out I promise
8.  Don't drink so much in your early 20's it will cost you some friendships that are dear to your heart.
9.  Follow #8 but make sure you still have as much fun!  The things you learn in those years make you who you are today
10. Most of all always say what you mean and mean what you say.  Don't say things that you wouldn't want to be said back to a person without you being the person to say it to them.  Be sure to always be upfront and honest.  Like your momma taught you "honesty is always the policy"

Friday, October 5, 2012

Thirty Things and Friday Letters

So not realizing it I answered my #3 question yesterday within my number #2 question which you can find here Biggest Fear.  So I decided to do an edition of Friday Letters :)



Dear Week,  You have been a struggle but as always I will make it through and beat you at our own game.
Dear Knock Off Flea Meds, I get it I tried to save a buck and you caused an allergic reaction on Tank's back to the point he has scratched himself raw :(
Dear Tank, I'm sorry for the above.
Dear Ex, I believe my room mate hit the nail on the head by telling you your heart is man made and you thrive to get a rise out of people and their misery.  I feel for you that more then not people think this way of you but you are the one that continues to prove them right.  Be the person that you could be and care for others.  You are fortunate to have things provided for you that others have to work hard at.  Appreciate it.
Dear People in general, be kind to each other its not that hard I promise.  I also promise the more you do this the better you will feel.


Thursday, October 4, 2012

Thirty Things #2


#2 List 3 legitimate fears and how they came about?

1.  My biggest fear losing my parents.  I know that it will happen and I know that there is nothing I can do about it.  However when my mother turn 50 I had a panic attack.  I legit freaked out, stupid I know b/c its not like 50 is even old these days.  If you have known me for a while you will know that my parents rock.  Through high school my house was filled with kids that would hang out with my mom when I was even out of town.  I moved on my own when I was 21 however ended up buying a condo smack in the same place I grew up since we moved to the states two door down.  For the past five years until last October I lived next door to my parents.  Some would die if they were that close but for me it was great.  It makes me sad to watch it sit empty and not be able to see them everyday b/c I work to much but they are still the most important people in my life. 



2.  My  2nd fear is falling down and hitting my head. Mostly falling down stairs backwards. I'm not sure where this came from besides that I always fall down or hurt myself somehow. NOW this my not be a legitimate fear but I do feel like this is in my own little head practical :)

3.  My 3rd fear is not being fully happy with my life and choices when I'm old and look back at them.  I'm proud of who I am and that I like to think positive and let the bad part of people not get the best of me.  I know I should probably hold more grudges (lets be honest even if you screw me over seven times I will still see the good in you) I like to think that Karma will do the dirty work so why should I waste my energy in trying to stoop to your level?  I guess this fear came about b/c I watch people around me recieve things they want and either not be deserving of them or still complain about it.  I fear I will continue to work hard my whole life without reaching the goals I'm after.










Wednesday, October 3, 2012

My Favorite time of the year!

Good Morning!  I was suppose to write #2 for the Thirty but instead I'm linking up with the Wonderful Erin from Living in Yellow for this fun Ornament Swap :)




Here’s how it works.
Step 1. Sign up.

Link up your blog below to let us know you want to participate in the swap.

Sign ups close at Midnight on October 31st.


Step 2. Spread the word.

Everyone loves getting special deliveries in the mail. Especially when it’s a super festive item like an ornament for your holiday tree. So let all of your blog friends know about the swap. The more, the merrier.


Step 3. Get your match.

On Thursday, November 1st, we will post the swap matches. You will contact the blogger you’re buying for via their blog, email, twitter, facebook, etc. to get their address.
Step 4. Shop and Mail.

On or before November 12th, purchase and mail your ornament. This means your ornament should be en route to its recipient NO LATER THAN the 12th.



Step 5. Receive & Blog about your ornament!

This is the fun part! Blog, Instagram, Tweet your Ornament Swapping Adventure. Be sure and use #ornamentswap on Instagram & Twitter so other Swappers can find you!



Step 6. Link up!

We will be hosting a Linky Party on December 1st for those of you bloggers that want to link up your posts! (This gives you plenty of time to make sure your ornament arrives & recap your adventures.)



That is it.

It's pretty simple.

Sign up & send.


Now, I know people may have a few more questions about the details, so here are some additional things you should know.



1. You should spend between $4-$14 on your ornament.

2. Ornaments should be new, as no one wants any “gently used” tree decorations.

3. The ornament you purchase should be something fun, quirky, or beautiful that you’d like to receive and that you will be proud of when it is associated with you and your blog.

4. You can purchase ornaments from anywhere. Like these handmades from Etsy or unique ornaments from Pier One or Target.

5. You will not be sending and receiving to the same person. Technically you aren't "swapping", more like a daisy chain of ornaments will be flying through the skies via the postal service. You will send to one person and receive from someone else. This way you get to know at least two people!

6. Be sure to package your ornament in bubble wrap to ensure it arrives safely. Getting a broken ornament is no fun at all.

7. Please do not sign up unless you are 100% sure you can fulfill the swap requirements, we would hate for someone to sign up and not participate.


Now make sure you head on on over to Erin's blog and sign up to join the fun!


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

30 Things

I found this posting this AM at Hopes and Dreams and thought it would be fun thing to join in on :)

So throughout this month you will be getting to know me a little better as I answer these questions :)



THE LIST:




1. List 20 random facts about yourself.

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.

3. Describe your relationship with your parents.

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?

7. What is your dream job, and why?

8. What are 5 passions you have?

9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.

11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.

12. Describe a typical day in your current life.

13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

14. Describe 5 strengths you have.

15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?

22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?

23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.

24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.

25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?

26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?

27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?

28. What is your love language?

29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?

30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.



Question 1.
20 Random facts about myself

1.  I live for dogs.  I must stop and pet every dog I come in contact with.  I think they are the definition of unconditionally love.
2.  I check my bank account at least four times a day.
3.  I hate to hang clothes at home but at work I would hang all day if you let me get away without folding.
4.  I have a fear of ants.
5.  I always dream big and have a problem following through
6.  I have two sisters. One older and one younger
7.  I have 8 nieces and nephews only 2 of the 8 being nephews
8.  I still feel like my grandma is alive and random have panic attacks when I remember she isn't
9.  I work two jobs plus a dance team and still feel bored sometimes
10. I love no matter what
11. I have two fur babies and love them both even though they are both very different
12. I love fall T.V. however any other season don't really care to watch anything
13. My parents have been married all my life for that I feel blessed
14. I have a family that will stick by you no matter what and will always let you know its OK when you screw up
15. I always have my cell phone on me no matter what
16. I have permanent eyeliner
17. I'm a forever friend even if you fail at being a good friend I'm always there
18. I own a condo
19. I'm going back to school in January for real estate
20. I have many scars from falling b/c I can't seem to stay on my two feet to save my life.

My Other Business

www.scentsy.com/nicoletaylor
Pin It button on image hover